Image pickup apparatus that is capable of bounce emission photographing, control method therefor, and storage medium storing control program therefor

ABSTRACT

An image pickup apparatus capable of focusing correctly and of setting a bounce angle accurately. A lighting device that changes an irradiation angle is attached to an apparatus body. A first control unit drives the lighting device to perform pre-emission when the irradiation angle is controlled for bounce emission photographing where an object is photographed while being illuminated by a reflected light emitted from the lighting device and reflected by reflection material. A first distance measuring unit measures a first distance to the object and a second distance to the reflection material using the pre-emission. A second control unit sets up the irradiation angle based on the first and second distances and controls the lighting device to the set irradiation angle. A second distance measuring unit measures a third distance to the object during focus control. A prohibition unit prohibits the pre-emission when the second distance measuring unit measures the third distance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus that iscapable of bounce emission photographing, a control method therefor, anda storage medium storing a control program therefor, and in particular,relates to illumination control for illuminating and photographing anobject.

Description of the Related Art

There is a known emission photographing method that makes a lightingdevice emit light toward a ceiling etc. to illuminate an object withdiffuse reflection from the ceiling when the object is photographed.Hereinafter the method is referred to as bounce emission photographing.Since the bounce emission photographing illuminates an object indirectlywith the light from the lighting device, the object is depicted withsoft light.

When a bounce angle that shows an irradiation angle of diffusereflection with which an object is irradiated is determined in thebounce emission photographing, an object distance between an imagepickup apparatus and an object is measured (hereinafter referred to asobject pre-emission distance measuring), and a ceiling distance betweenthe object and the ceiling is measured (hereinafter referred to asceiling pre-emission distance measuring). Then, the bounce angle isfound according to the object distance and the ceiling distance.

There is an image pickup apparatus that photographs while irradiating anobject with flash light indirectly when a face registered beforehand isrecognized in the bounce emission photographing (see Japanese Laid-OpenPatent Publication (Kokai) No. 2012-178666 (JP 2012-178666A)).

Incidentally, when an image pickup apparatus, which is provided with apre-emission unit that pre-emits for a bounce emission photographing (itis also called a bounce operation) and an AF auxiliary light unit thatemits auxiliary light for focusing control, performs a distancemeasuring operation by emitting the AF auxiliary light unit during thebounce operation, the following problem occurs.

The pre-emission during a charge-storage operation (AF storageoperation) of an AF sensor in the distance measuring operation maysaturate the AF sensor, which misses the focus in an AF operation.Moreover, if the AF auxiliary light unit emits the auxiliary lightduring the pre-emission of the lighting device for distance measuring,an error occurs in distance measuring data obtained by the pre-emission.As a result, an error may occur in setting of the bounce angle.

When a timing of the AF storage operation with the AF-auxiliary-lightirradiation overlaps with a timing of the pre-emission of the lightingdevice in the image pickup apparatus disclosed in JP 2012-178666A, thelight amount becomes excessively large, which causes an error in thedistance measuring. Accordingly, errors occur in the focus setting andthe bounce angle setting.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an image pickup apparatus, a controlmethod therefor, and a storage medium storing a control programtherefor, which are capable of focusing correctly and of setting abounce angle accurately even in a case where a pre-emission unit for abounce operation and an AF auxiliary light unit for a focusing controlare independently provided.

Accordingly, a first aspect of the present invention provides an imagepickup apparatus comprising a lighting device that is capable ofchanging an irradiation angle of an illumination light, an apparatusbody that is equipped with the lighting device and outputs an imagecorresponding to an optical image formed through an image pickup opticalsystem, a first control unit configured to drive the lighting device toperform pre-emission when the irradiation angle is controlled for bounceemission photographing where an object is photographed while beingilluminated by a reflected light that is emitted from the lightingdevice and is reflected by reflection material, a first distancemeasuring unit configured to measure a first distance between the imagepickup apparatus and the object and a second distance between thereflection material and the image pickup apparatus using thepre-emission of the lighting device, a second control unit configured toset up the irradiation angle based on the first distance and the seconddistance and to drivingly control the lighting device to the setirradiation angle, a second distance measuring unit configured tomeasure a third distance between the image pickup device and the objectduring focus control for focusing on the object, and a prohibition unitconfigured to prohibit the pre-emission by the first control unit whenthe second distance measuring unit measures the third distance.

Accordingly, a second aspect of the present invention provides a controlmethod for an image pickup apparatus equipped with a lighting devicethat is capable of changing an irradiation angle of illumination light,and an apparatus body that is equipped with the lighting device andoutputs an image corresponding to an optical image formed through animage pickup optical system, the control method comprising a firstcontrol step of driving the lighting device to perform pre-emission whenthe irradiation angle is controlled for bounce emission photographingwhere an object is photographed while being illuminated by a reflectedlight that is emitted from the lighting device and is reflected byreflection material, a first distance measuring step of measuring afirst distance between the image pickup apparatus and the object and asecond distance between the reflection material and the image pickupapparatus using the pre-emission of the lighting device, a secondcontrol step of setting up the irradiation angle based on the firstdistance and the second distance and to drivingly control the lightingdevice to the set irradiation angle, a second distance measuring step ofmeasuring a third distance between the image pickup device and theobject during focus control for focusing on the object, and aprohibition step of prohibiting the pre-emission in the first controlstep when the third distance is measured in the second distancemeasuring step.

Accordingly, a third aspect of the present invention provides anon-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a controlprogram causing a computer to execute the control method of the secondaspect.

According to the present invention, since the pre-emission for thebounce drive is prohibited during the focus control, the focusing isperformed correctly and the bounce angle that is an irradiation angle isset accurately even in the case where the pre-emission unit for thebounce operation and the AF auxiliary light unit for the focusingcontrol are independently provided.

Further features of the present invention will become apparent from thefollowing description of exemplary embodiments with reference to theattached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of animage pickup apparatus (a camera) according to a first embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 is a view schematically showing the image pickup apparatusaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention in a brokenstate.

FIG. 3A is a view showing timings of a data communication using a secondterminal shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3B is a view showing examples of communication data of the datacommunication using the second terminal shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an auto-bounce emission photographingprocess executed by the camera shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an emission photographing process executedby the camera shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an information-transmission preparationprocess shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 7A is a view showing a list of commands that are used when a camerabody obtains data from a strobe (an electric flash) in the camera shownin FIG. 1 and FIG.

FIG. 7B and FIG. 7C are views showing lists of commands that are usedwhen the camera body transmits data to the strobe in the camera shown inFIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B are flowcharts respectively showing processes in thecamera body and the strobe in an information transmission process shownin FIG. 4.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a bounce process shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B are flowcharts respectively showing processes inthe camera body and the strobe in an auto-bounce data obtaining processshown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B are flowcharts respectively showing processes inthe camera body and the strobe in a bounce-operation-instructiontransmitting process shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B are flowcharts respectively showing processes inthe camera body and the strobe in an object distance calculation processshown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B are flowcharts respectively showing processes inthe camera body and the strobe in a ceiling (wall) distance calculationprocess shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B are flowcharts respectively showing processes inthe camera body and the strobe in an irradiation-direction determinationprocess shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 15 is a view showing an example of a scene of the bounce emissionphotographing performed with the camera shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

FIG. 16A is a flowchart showing a process performed with the camera bodyin a bounce drive control process shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 16B is a flowchart showing a process performed with the strobe inthe bounce drive control process shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a strobe emission process performed withthe strobe shown in FIG. 1 and FIG.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an auto bounce emission photographingprocess performed with a camera according to a second embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a bounce process performed with thecamera according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20A is a view showing an example of a pre-emission prohibitionperiod set in the camera according to the second embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 20B is a view showing another example of the pre-emissionprohibition period set in the camera according to the second embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a bounce process performed with a cameraaccording to a third embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Hereafter, embodiments according to the present invention will bedescribed in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of animage pickup apparatus according to a first embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a view schematically showing the image pickup apparatusaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention in a brokenstate.

The image pickup apparatus shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 is a digitalcamera (hereinafter referred to as a camera, simply) that has a camerabody (an image pickup apparatus body) 100. Then, the camera body 100 isequipped with a photographing lens unit (hereinafter referred to as alens unit, simply) 200 detachably. That is, the lens unit 200 isattachable to the camera body 100.

Moreover, the camera body 100 is equipped with a strobe (an electronicflash) 300 that is a lighting device so that attachment and detachmentare possible. That is, the strobe 300 is attachable to the camera body100. Then, the camera body 100 is able to communicate with the lens unit200 and the strobe 300 as mentioned later. The camera body 100 outputsan image corresponding to an optical image (object image) formed throughthe lens unit 200 that is an image pickup optical system.

The camera body 100 is provided with a microcomputer (cameramicrocomputer: CCPU) 101, and the camera microcomputer 101 controls theentire camera body 100. The camera microcomputer 101 is a one-chip ICcircuit including a CPU, ROM, RAM, input-output control circuit (I/Ocontrol circuit), multiplexer, timer circuit, EEPROM, A/D converter, D/Aconverter, etc., for example. Then, the camera microcomputer 101controls the camera using software.

An image pickup device (IPD) 102 is a CCD or a CMOS sensor including aninfrared cut filter, low pass filter, etc., for example. An object image(optical image) is formed on the image pickup device 102 through a lensgroup 202 mentioned later. A shutter 103 is arranged in front of theimage pickup device 102. The shutter 103 is movable between a position(shading position) to shield the image pickup device 102 and a position(exposure position) to exposes the image pickup device 102.

A main mirror (half mirror) 104 is movable between a position (firstposition) to reflect a part of light entering through the lens group 202to form an image on a focusing screen 105 and a position (secondposition) to be retracted from an optical axis (photographing lightpath) of the lens group 202. The object image is formed on the focusingscreen 105 by means of the main mirror 104. Then, a user is able tocheck the object image formed on the focusing screen 105 through anoptical finder (not shown).

A photometry unit (AE) 106 is provided with a photometry sensor, dividesthe object image into a plurality of areas, and measures light intensityin each of the areas. It should be noted that the photometry sensortakes in the object image formed on the focusing screen 105 through apentagonal prism 114. The photometry unit 106 is connected to an AE_CNTterminal N of the camera microcomputer 101.

A focusing-purpose distance measuring unit (AF) 107 is provided with adistance measuring sensor (a range finding sensor) that has a pluralityof distance measuring points, and outputs the focus information showinga defocus amount in each of the distance measuring points, etc. Thisfocus information is used for focusing a lens group (a focusing lens).The focusing-purpose distance measuring unit 107 is connected to anAF_CNT terminal O of the camera microcomputer 101.

A gain switching circuit (GSC) 108 amplifies an image signal (analogsignal) output from the image pickup device 102. The gain switchingcircuit 108 is connected to a GAIN_CONT terminal F of the cameramicrocomputer 101. The gain switching circuit 108 changes the gainaccording to an instruction from the camera microcomputer 101 inresponse to a photographing condition, a user's operation, or the like.

An A/D converter (ADC) 109 converts the image signal (analog signal)amplified by the gain switching circuit 108 into a digital signal (imagedata). A timing generator (TG) 110 is connected to a TG terminal G ofthe camera microcomputer 101, and outputs a timing signal forsynchronizing the input timing of the image signal (analog signal)amplified by the gain switching circuit 108 and the A/D conversiontiming of the A/D converter 109. A signal processing circuit (SPC) 111applies a predetermined signal process to the image data output from theA/D converter 109, and inputs the processed image data into an I_CONTterminal E of the camera microcomputer 101.

A communication line CL (FIG. 2) is an interface signal line between thecamera body 100, the lens unit 200, and the strobe 300. For example,information communications, such as exchange of data and transfer of acommand, are mutually performed through the communication-line CL whilethe camera microcomputer 101 acts as a host.

FIG. 1 shows serial communications using a first terminal 120 and asecond terminal 130 as an example of the communication line CL.

An input unit (INP) 112 includes operation members, such as a powerswitch, a release button, and a setting button, and is connected to anSW_CNT terminal Q of the camera microcomputer 101. The cameramicrocomputer 101 performs various processes according to an inputoperation through the input unit 112.

When the release button is operated by a first step (half press), afirst switch SW1 turns ON, and the camera microcomputer 101 startsphotographing preparation operations, such as focusing and photometry.When the release button is operated by a second step (full press), asecond switch SW2 turns ON, and the camera microcomputer 101 startsphotographing operations, such as exposure and a development process.

Moreover, a user adjusts various settings about the strobe 300 attachedto the camera body 100 by operating setting buttons etc. of the inputunit 112. A display unit 113 that has an LCD device and a light emittingelement is connected to a DP_CNT terminal P of the camera microcomputer101, and displays a set-up mode and another photographing informationetc.

The pentagonal prism 114 guides the object image on the focusing screen105 to the photometry sensor of the photometry unit 106 and to theoptical finder. A sub mirror 115 guides light that enters through thelens group 202 and passes through the main mirror 104 to the distancemeasuring sensor of the focusing-purpose distance measuring unit 107.

A posture detection circuit 140 detects posture differences and includesa posture H detection circuit (C_H_DTC) 140 a that detects a posturedifference in a horizontal direction (a right-left direction), a postureV detection circuit (C_V_DTC) 140 b that detects a posture difference ina vertical direction (an up-and-down direction), and a posture Zdetection circuit (C_Z_DTC) 140 c that detects a posture difference in afront-back direction (Z-direction). The posture H detection circuit 140a, posture V detection circuit 140 b, and posture Z detection circuit140 c are respectively connected to a C_H_IN terminal K, C_V_IN terminalL, and C_Z_IN terminal M of the camera microcomputer 101. An angularvelocity sensor or a gyro sensor is used for the posture detectioncircuit 140, for example. The posture information that shows the posturedifferences in all the directions detected by the posture detectioncircuit 140 is sent to the camera microcomputer 101.

The lens unit 200 is provided with a microcomputer (lens microcomputer:LPU) 201 that controls the entire lens unit 200. The lens microcomputer201 is a one-chip IC including a CPU, ROM, RAM, input-output controlcircuit (I/O control circuit), multiplexer, timer circuit, EEPROM, A/Dconverter, D/A converter, etc., for example.

The lens group 202 consists of a plurality of lenses including afocusing lens, a zoom lens, etc. It should be noted that the lens group202 may not be provided with a zoom lens.

A lens driving circuit (LENS_DRV) 203 is a drive system for moving thelens group 202 along with an optical axis. The camera microcomputer 101finds a drive amount of the lens group 202 on the basis of the outputfrom the focusing-purpose distance measuring unit 107. Then, the cameramicrocomputer 101 sends the drive amount concerned to the lensmicrocomputer 201. A lens drive circuit 203 is connected to an L_CNTterminal F of the lens microcomputer 201.

An encoder (ENC) 204 detects the position of the lens group 202, andoutputs the drive information that shows the position. The encoder 204is connected to an L_EN_IN terminal E of the lens microcomputer 201. Thelens microcomputer 201 adjusts the focus by controlling the lens drivecircuit 203 with reference to the drive information concerned so as tomove the lens group 202 by the above-mentioned drive amount. The lensmicrocomputer 201 controls a diaphragm 205 using a diaphragm controlcircuit (DPM_CNT) 206 connected to an AV_CNT terminal G.

The strobe 300 has a main part 300 a and a moving part 300 b as shown inFIG. 2. The main part 300 a is detachably attached to the camera body100. Moreover, the moving part 300 b is rotatably supported in thevertical and horizontal directions with respect to the main part 300 a.In this case, a rotation direction of the moving part 300 b is definedon the assumption that the side of the main part 300 a connected withthe moving part 300 b is an upper side.

The strobe 300 has a microcomputer (a strobe microcomputer: FPU) 310.The strobe microcomputer 310 controls the entire strobe 300. The strobemicrocomputer 310 is a one-chip IC including a CPU, ROM, RAM,input-output control circuit (I/O control circuit), multiplexer, timercircuit, EEPROM, A/D converter, D/A converter, etc., for example.

A battery 301 is used as power (VBAT) of the strobe 300. A pressure riseblock 302 has a booster circuit (VB) 302 a, resistances 302 b and 302 cused for voltage detection, and a main capacitor 302 d. The boostercircuit 302 a is connected to a CHG_ON terminal A of the strobemicrocomputer 310, and raises the voltage of the battery 301 to severalhundred voltages to charge electrical energy for an emission to the maincapacitor 302 d.

The charging voltage of the main capacitor 302 d is divided by theresistances 302 b and 302 c. The divided voltage concerned is input intoan A/D conversion terminal (MCV_AD) B of the strobe microcomputer 310. Atrigger circuit (TRG) 303 is connected to a TRIG terminal C of thestrobe microcomputer 310, and applies pulse voltage to a discharge tube305 mentioned later for exciting the discharge tube 305.

An emission control circuit (EMIT_CNT) 304 controls start and stop ofemission of the discharge tube 305. The discharge tube 305 is excited inresponse to the pulse voltage of several kilovolts applied from thetrigger circuit 303, and emits light using electrical energy charged inthe main capacitor 302 d.

A bounce-purpose distance measuring (range finding) unit (BO_RF) 308detects a distance to a target (i.e., an object) by a known method. Forexample, the bounce-purpose distance measuring unit 308 is provided witha photosensor, and detects the distance to the object by receiving lightreflected by the target that exists in the irradiation direction of thedischarge tube 305 by the photosensor. Alternatively, the bounce-purposedistance measuring unit 308 detects the distance to the target byreceiving light reflected by the target that exists in the irradiationdirection of the AF auxiliary light unit 316 by the photosensor. Thebounce-purpose distance measuring unit 308 is connected to an F_AF_CONTterminal Q of the strobe microcomputer 310.

A photo diode 314 is one of the photosensors that receive light from thedischarge tube 305 directly or through a glass fiber. An integratingcircuit (INT) 309 integrates light receiving current of the photo diode314. The integrated output of the integrating circuit 309 is input to aninverting input terminal of a comparator 315 and to an A/D converterterminal (INT_AD) H of the strobe microcomputer 310. Moreover, theintegrating circuit 309 is connected to an INT_ST terminal G of thestrobe microcomputer 310, and starts integration on the basis of acommand from the strobe microcomputer 310. The non-inverting inputterminal of the comparator 315 is connected to a D/A converter terminal(INT_DAC) I of the strobe microcomputer 310. The output of thecomparator 315 is connected to one input terminal of an AND gate 311.

The other input terminal of the AND gate 311 is connected to anemission-control terminal (FL_START) J of the strobe microcomputer 310.The output of the AND gate 311 is input into the emission controlcircuit 304. A reflection umbrella 306 reflects the light from thedischarge tube 305 and guides it in a predetermined direction.

A zoom optical system 307 including an optical panel etc. is supportedso that a relative position to the discharge tube 305 is changeable.Guide number and an irradiation range of the strobe 300 are changed bychanging the relative position between the discharge tube 305 and thezoom optical system 307.

A light emitting section of the strobe 300 consists of the dischargetube 305, the reflection umbrella 306, and the zoom optical system 307,for example. The irradiation range of the light emitting section variesaccording to the movement of the zoom optical system 307. Theirradiation direction of the light emitting section varies according torotation of the moving part 300 b. That is, the moving part 300 b isable to change a bounce angle (an irradiation angle).

An input unit (INP) 312 includes operation members, such as a powerswitch, a mode setting switch to set up an operation mode of the strobe300, and setting buttons to set up various parameters, and is connectedto a SW_CNT terminal W of the strobe microcomputer 310. The strobemicrocomputer 310 performs various processes according to an inputoperation through the input unit 312.

A display unit (DSP) 313 that has an LCD device and a light emittingelement is connected to a DP_CNT terminal V of the strobe microcomputer310, and displays a state of the strobe 300. An AF auxiliary light unit(AF_ALU) 316 emits auxiliary light so that the focusing-purpose distancemeasuring unit 107 performs a focus detecting operation even in a darkplace.

A zoom actuator 330 has a zoom detection circuit (ZOOM_DCT) 330 a and azoom drive circuit (ZOOM_DRV) 330 b. The zoom detection circuit 330 adetects information about the relative position between the dischargetube 305 and the zoom optical system 307 using an encoder etc. Moreover,the zoom drive circuit 330 b has a motor for moving the zoom opticalsystem 307. The zoom detection circuit 330 a and the zoom drive circuit330 b are respectively connected to a ZOOM_AD terminal K and a ZOOM_ONterminal L of the strobe microcomputer 310.

The camera microcomputer 101 sends focal length information output fromthe lens microcomputer 201 to the strobe microcomputer 310. Then, thestrobe microcomputer 310 computes a drive amount of the zoom opticalsystem 307 on the basis of the focal length information.

A bounce circuit 340 has a bounce H detection circuit (BO_H_DTC) 340 a,bounce H drive circuit (BO_H_DRV) 340 b, bounce V detection circuit(BO_V_DTC) 340 c, and bounce V drive circuit (BO_V_DRV) 340 d. Thebounce H detection circuit 340 a and the bounce V detection circuit 340c detect the drive amounts of the moving part 300 b (rotational anglesof the moving part 300 b with respect to the main part 300 a). Thebounce H drive circuit 340 b and the bounce V drive circuit 340 d rotatethe moving part 300 b. The bounce H detection circuit 340 a, bounce Hdrive circuit 340 b, bounce V detection circuit 340 c, and bounce Vdrive circuit 340 d are respectively connected to a BO_H_IN terminal M,BO_H_ON terminal N, BO_V_IN terminal O, and BO_V_ON terminal P of thestrobe microcomputer 310.

The bounce H detection circuit 340 a detects a horizontal drive amountof the moving part 300 b with a rotary encoder or an absolute encoder.The bounce V detection circuit 340 c detects a vertical drive amount ofthe moving part 300 b with a rotary encoder or an absolute encoder.

The bounce H drive circuit 340 b drives the moving part 300 b in thehorizontal direction with a motor. The bounce V drive circuit 340 ddrives the moving part 300 b in the vertical direction with a motor.

The posture detection circuit 360 detects posture differences, and has aposture H detection circuit (C_H_DTC) 360 a, posture V detection circuit(C_V_DTC) 360 b, and posture Z detection circuit (C_Z_DTC) 360 c. Theposture H detection circuit 360 a, posture V detection circuit 360 b,and posture Z detection circuit 360 c are respectively connected to aC_H_IN terminal D, C_V_IN terminal E, and C_Z_IN terminal F of thestrobe microcomputer 310. The posture H detection circuit 360 a detectsa posture difference in the horizontal direction. The posture Vdetection circuit 360 b detects a posture difference in the verticaldirection. Moreover, the posture Z detection circuit 360 c detects aposture difference in a front-back direction (Z direction). An angularvelocity sensor or a gyro sensor is used for the posture detectioncircuit 360, for example.

The first terminal 120 connects an SCLK_L terminal H of the cameramicrocomputer 101 with an SCLK_L terminal A of the lens microcomputer201 in order to synchronize communications between the cameramicrocomputer 101 of the camera body 100 and the lens microcomputer 201of the lens unit 200. The first terminal 120 connects a MOSI_L terminalI of the camera microcomputer 101 with a MOSI_L terminal B of the lensmicrocomputer 201 in order to transmit data to the lens microcomputer201 from the camera microcomputer 101. Moreover, the first terminal 120connects a MISO_L terminal J of the camera microcomputer 101 with aMISI_L terminal C of the lens microcomputer 201 in order to transmitdata to the camera microcomputer 101 from the lens microcomputer 201,and connects a GND terminal D of the camera microcomputer 101 with a GNDterminal D of the lens microcomputer 201.

The second terminal 130 connects an SCLK_S terminal A of the cameramicrocomputer 101 with an SCLK_S terminal U of the strobe microcomputer310 in order to synchronize communications between the cameramicrocomputer 101 of the camera body 100 and the strobe microcomputer310 of the strobe 300, The second terminal 130 connects a MOSI_Sterminal B of the camera microcomputer 101 with a MOSI_S terminal T ofthe strobe microcomputer 310 in order to transmit data to the strobemicrocomputer 310 from the camera microcomputer 101. The second terminal130 connects a MOSI_S terminal C of the camera microcomputer 101 with aMOSI_S terminal S of the strobe microcomputer 310 in order to transmitdata to the camera microcomputer 101 from the strobe microcomputer 310.Moreover, the second terminal 130 connects the GND terminal D of thecamera microcomputer 101 with a GND terminal R of the strobemicrocomputer 310, and connects a terminal X of the camera microcomputer101 with a terminal X of the strobe microcomputer 310.

FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B are views showing examples of data communicationsusing the second terminal 130 shown in FIG. 1. Then, FIG. 3A is a viewshowing timings of a data communication, and FIG. 3B is a view showingexamples of communication data.

When transmitting data to the strobe microcomputer 310 from the cameramicrocomputer 101, the camera microcomputer 101 transmits data seriallyfrom the MOSI_S terminal in synchronization with eight bit clock fromthe SCK_S terminal. Moreover, when transmitting data to the cameramicrocomputer 101 from the strobe microcomputer 310, the cameramicrocomputer 101 receives data serially from the MISO_S terminal insynchronization with eight bit clock from the SCK_S terminal.

The signals are read and written at rises of the SCLK_S signal in 8-bit(1 byte) communications in the example shown in FIG. 3A. That is, acommand, command data, and data are transmitted continuously byrepeating the 8-bit communication.

Moreover, the camera microcomputer 101 transmits data shown in FIG. 3Bto the strobe microcomputer 310 on the basis of the below-mentionedcommand list. For example, when “AUTO BOUNCE SET/RELEASE” is transmittedto the strobe 300 from the camera body 100, the camera microcomputer 101transmits the CS communication (camera-strobe communication) “80H” as afirst byte, the command number “011 (0BH)” as a second byte, and thedata (content) “01” (setting) as a third byte after converting ahexadecimal number into a binary number.

When transmitting data to the strobe 300 from the camera body 100, thecamera microcomputer 101 transmits the command CS: 80H as the firstbyte. When the camera body 100 obtains data from the strobe 300, acommand SC: 01H is transmitted to the strobe 300 from the camera body100 as the first byte.

A command number (converted into a hexadecimal number at the time oftransmission) that follows the SC (strobe-camera communication) or theCS is set to the second byte. Setting item data is set to the third andfourth bytes. Then, the second, third, and fourth bytes are transmittedto one of the camera body 100 and the strobe 300 from the other.

It should be noted that another data communications will be describedlater. Moreover, the commands, such as an AF auxiliary light emissioninstruction mentioned later, that are other than the above-mentionedserial communications and are transmitted to the strobe 300 from thecamera body 100 shall be included in the SC.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an auto-bounce emission photographingprocess executed by the camera shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

When the power switch of the input unit 112 is turned ON, the cameramicrocomputer 101 initializes an internal memory and ports (step S1). Atthis time, the camera microcomputer 101 reads the states of the variousswitches of the input unit 112 and preset input information, and sets upa photographing mode that defines how to determine shutter speed and anaperture value etc.

Subsequently, the camera microcomputer 101 determines whether the firstswitch SW1 is ON by operating the release button of the input unit 112(step S2). When the first switch SW1 is OFF (NO in the step S2), thecamera microcomputer 101 waits.

On the other hand, when the first switch SW1 is turned ON (YES in thestep S2), the camera microcomputer 101 communicates with the lensmicrocomputer 201 through the communication line CL. Then, the cameramicrocomputer 101 obtains focal length information from the lens unit200, and obtains optical information required for focusing andphotometry (step S3).

Next, the camera microcomputer 101 determines whether the strobe 30 isattached to the camera body 100 (step S4). When the strobe 300 isattached to the camera body 100 (YES in the step S4), the cameramicrocomputer 101 communicates with the strobe microcomputer 310 throughthe communication line CL, and obtains the strobe information, such as astrobe ID and charging information showing a charge state of the maincapacitor 302 d, from the strobe microcomputer 310 (step S5).Furthermore, the camera microcomputer 101 sends the focal lengthinformation obtained by the process in the step S3 to the strobemicrocomputer 310.

As the result of this, the strobe microcomputer 310 computes a driveamount of the zoom optical system 307 on the basis of the focal lengthinformation. Then, the strobe microcomputer 310 moves the zoom opticalsystem 307 on the basis of the drive amount concerned so as to changethe irradiation range of the strobe 300 to the range corresponding tothe focal length.

Subsequently, the camera microcomputer 101 prepares transmission of theinformation about the strobe 300 (strobe information) input through theinput unit 112 to the strobe microcomputer 310 (step S6). In this step,the camera microcomputer 101 converts the strobe information inputthrough the input unit 112 into the corresponding command. It should benoted that details of the process in the step S6 will be describedlater.

Next, the camera microcomputer 101 transmits the strobe informationobtained by the information transmitting preparation to the strobe 300(step S7). It should be noted that details of the process in the step S7will be described later. Then, the camera microcomputer 101 determineswhether an operation for automatically determining an irradiationdirection at a time of bounce emission photographing (referred to as anauto bounce operation) is performed (step S11). The camera microcomputer101 determines whether the auto bounce operation is performed on thebasis of a state of an auto bounce switch that is provided in the inputunit 112 or the input unit 312. The camera microcomputer 101 maydetermine whether the auto bounce operation is performed on the basis ofthe situation of the camera body 100 etc.

When determining that the auto bounce operation is not performed (NO inthe step S11), the camera microcomputer 101 proceeds with the process tostep S16 mentioned later. On the other hand, when determining that theauto bounce operation is performed (YES in the step S11), the cameramicrocomputer 101 performs a process about the auto bounce operation(hereinafter referred to as a bounce process) as mentioned later (stepS12).

After performing the bounce process, the camera microcomputer 101determines whether an error occurred in the bounce process (step S13).When no error occurred in the bounce process (NO in the step S13), thecamera microcomputer 101 proceeds with the process to the step S16mentioned later.

When an error occurs in the bounce process, the strobe microcomputer 310sends the error information showing that the error occurs to the cameramicrocomputer 101 in the bounce process. When an error occurs in thebounce process (YES in the step S13), the camera microcomputer 101displays a warning showing that the error occurred in the bounce processon the display unit 113 (step S14).

The camera microcomputer 101 may display the warning on the display unit313 of the strobe 300 by communicating with the strobe microcomputer310.

Subsequently, the camera microcomputer 101 performs a switching processthat switches to the setting about photographing to a non-emissionsetting in which the emission photographing is not performed (step S15).Then, the camera microcomputer 101 proceeds with the process to thebelow-mentioned step S16.

When the strobe 300 is not attached to the camera body 100 (NO in thestep S4), the camera microcomputer 101 determines whether the set-upfocusing (focus control) mode is an AF (Autofocus) mode (step S8). Whenthe focusing mode is the AF mode (YES in the step S8), the cameramicrocomputer 101 detects focus by the known phase difference detectionmethod with the focusing-purpose distance measuring unit 107 (step S9).

In this case, the camera microcomputer 101 selects a distance measuringpoint to be focused from among a plurality of distance measuring points.For example, a distance measuring point is selected by giving priorityto a nearer point. Furthermore, a distance measuring point may beselected according to a user's operation through the input unit 112.Then, the camera microcomputer 101 once stores the distance measuringpoint in an in-focus state into a built-in RAM, and transmits thedistance measuring point concerned as a command to the strobemicrocomputer 310 at the time of the auto bounce operation.

Subsequently, the camera microcomputer 101 computes the drive amount ofthe lens group 202 on the basis of the focus information obtained fromthe focusing-purpose distance measuring unit 107. Then, the cameramicrocomputer 101 communicates with the lens microcomputer 201 throughthe communication line CL, and moves the lens group 202 on the basis ofthe drive amount concerned (step S10).

Next, the camera microcomputer 101 performs photometry with thephotometry unit 106, and obtains a photometry result (step S16). Forexample, when the photometry sensors of the photometry unit 106respectively measure the light intensities in the six-divided areas, thecamera microcomputer 101 stores the object luminance value EVb(i) ineach of the six areas as the photometry result into the built-in RAM. Inthis place, “i” is an integer from 0 to 5.

When the focusing mode is an MF (Manual Focus) mode (NO in the step S8),the camera microcomputer 101 proceeds with the process to the presses inthe step S16.

Subsequently, the camera microcomputer 101 switches the gain with thegain switching circuit 108 (step S17). In this place, the cameramicrocomputer 101 switches the gain according to the gain setting setthrough the input unit 112. The gain setting concerned means ISO speedsetting, for example. Furthermore, the camera microcomputer 101communicates with the strobe microcomputer 310 through the communicationline CL, and sends the gain setting information showing thepost-switching gain to the strobe microcomputer 310, for example.

Next, the camera microcomputer 101 performs exposure calculation on thebasis of the photometry result (the luminance value of each of the areasstored in the built-in RAM) obtained by the process in the step S16, anddetermines an exposure value EVs (step S18). Then, the cameramicrocomputer 101 determines whether a charging completion signal isreceived from the strobe microcomputer 310 (step S19).

When receiving the charging completion signal from the strobemicrocomputer 310 (YES in the step S19), the camera microcomputer 101determines the exposure control values (the shutter speed Tv andaperture value Av) that are suitable for the emission photographing onthe basis of the exposure value determined by the process in the stepS18 (step S20). On the other hand, when the charging completion signalis not received from the strobe microcomputer 310 (NO in the step S19),the camera microcomputer 101 determines the exposure control values thatare suitable for the photographing without emitting the strobe 300(non-emission photographing) on the basis of the exposure valuedetermined by the process in the step S18 (step S21).

After the process in the step S20 or step S21, the camera microcomputer101 determines whether the second switch SW2 is ON by operating therelease button of the input unit 112 (step S22). When the second switchSW2 is OFF (NO in the step S22), the camera microcomputer 101 returnsthe process to the step S2. On the other hand, when the second switchSW2 turns ON (YES in the step S22), the camera microcomputer 101 shiftsto an emission photographing process.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the emission photographing processexecuted by the camera shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. It should be notedthat a non-emission photographing process can be described by removing aprocess for main emission from the flowchart shown in FIG. 5.

When the emission photographing process is started, the cameramicrocomputer 101 performs photometry with the photometry unit 106 in astate where the strobe 300 does not emit light (step S23: natural lightphotometry). Then, the camera microcomputer 101 obtains the photometryresult of the natural light photometry (a non-emission luminance value)from the photometry unit 106, and stores the non-emission luminancevalue EVa(i) of each area into the built-in RAM.

Subsequently, the camera microcomputer 101 orders a pre-emission for thestrobe microcomputer 310 through the communication line CL (step S24).In response to this order, the strobe microcomputer 310 controls thetrigger circuit 303 and the emission control circuit 304, and causes thepre-emission with a predetermined light amount.

Next, the camera microcomputer 101 performs photometry in thepre-emission state with the photometry unit 106 (step S25: pre-emissionphotometry). Then, the camera microcomputer 101 obtains the photometryresult at the time of the pre-emission (a pre-emission luminance value)from the photometry unit 106. The camera microcomputer 101 stores thepre-emission luminance value EVf(i) of each area that is the photometryresult into the built-in RAM.

Subsequently, the camera microcomputer 101 raises up the main mirror 104before the exposure so that the main mirror 104 is retracted from thephotographing light path (step S26). Then, the camera microcomputer 101extracts a luminance value EVdf(i) of only the pre-emission reflectedlight component according to the following formula (1) using thenon-emission luminance value EVa(i) and the pre-emission luminance valueEVf(i) (step S27). It should be noted that this extraction is performedfor every six areas.EVdf(i)=LN2(2^(EVf(i))−2^(EVa(i)))  (1)

Next, the camera microcomputer 101 obtains pre-emission data Qpreshowing the emission amount of the pre-emission from the strobemicrocomputer 310 through communication line CL (step S28). Then, thecamera microcomputer 101 selects one area in which an object issubjected to the calculation of the proper emission amount from amongthe six areas, and calculates the main emission amount according to thedistance measuring point, the focal length information, the pre-emissiondata Qpre, and a bounce communication content (step S29).

When finding the main emission amount, the camera microcomputer 101 arelative ratio r of the proper main emission amount to the pre-emissionamount about the object in the selected area (P) on the basis of theexposure value EVs, the object luminance value EVb(p), and the luminancevalue EVdf(p) of only the pre-emission reflected light component, usingthe following formula (2).r=LN2(2^(EVs)−2^(EVb(p)))−EVdf(p)  (2)

In this case, the difference is found by subtracting the objectluminance value EVb(p) from the exposure value EVs in order to controlthe main emission amount so that the exposure at the time of the mainemission becomes proper by adding the strobe light (illumination light)to the natural light.

Subsequently, the camera microcomputer 101 corrects the relative ratio ron the basis of the shutter speed Tv at the time of emissionphotographing, the emission time t_pre of the pre-emission, and acorrection coefficient c preset through the input unit 11, using thefollowing formula (3) (step S30).r1=r+Tv−t_pre+c  (3)

In this case, the reason why the shutter speed Tv and the emission timet_pre of the pre-emission are used for the correction is to correctlycompare a photometry integration value of the pre-emission with aphotometry integration value of the main emission.

Subsequently, the camera microcomputer 101 sends the information aboutthe relative ratio r for determining the main emission amount to thestrobe microcomputer 310 through the communication line CL (step S31).Then, the camera microcomputer 101 issues a command to the lensmicrocomputer 201 so as to achieve the aperture value Av determined bythe process in the step S20 shown in FIG. 4. Furthermore, the cameramicrocomputer 101 controls the shutter 103 so as to operate at thedetermined shutter speed Tv (step S32).

Next, the camera microcomputer 101 orders the main emission for thestrobe microcomputer 310 through the communication line CL. As a resultof this, the strobe microcomputer 310 finds the main emission amount onthe basis of the above-mentioned relative ratio r1, and performs themain emission by the main emission amount concerned (step S33).

When a series of the exposure operations are completed as mentionedabove, the camera microcomputer 101 returns the main mirror 104 down sothat the main mirror 104 is positioned in the photographing light pathagain (step S34).

Subsequently, the camera microcomputer 101 amplifies the image signaloutput from the image pickup device 102 by the gain set up by the gainswitching circuit 108, and then, converts the amplified image signalinto a digital signal (image data) with the A/D converter 109. Then, thecamera microcomputer 101 applies a predetermined signal process, such asa white balance process, to the image data with the signal processingcircuit 111 (step S35: a development process).

After that, the camera microcomputer 101 records the image data to whichthe predetermined signal process was applied into a memory (not shown),and finishes the series of the photographing procedures (step S36).Then, the camera microcomputer 101 determines whether the first switchSW1 is in an ON state (step S37). When the first switch SW1 is in the ONstate (YES in the step S37), the camera microcomputer 101 shifts theprocess to the step S22 shown in FIG. 4. On the other hand, when thefirst switch SW1 is in an OFF state (NO in the step S37), the cameramicrocomputer 101 shifts the process to the step S2 shown in FIG. 4.

Next, the information transmitting preparation process performed in thestep S6 in FIG. 4 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing theinformation transmitting preparation process.

When the information transmitting preparation process is started, thecamera microcomputer 101 determines whether the camera is able toperform the auto bounce operation (an auto-bounce-capable camera) (stepS501).

In the information transmitting preparation process, the camera body 100and the strobe 300 communicate using commands. FIG. 7A is a view showinga list of commands (SC) that are used when the camera body 100 obtainsdata from the strobe 300. Moreover, FIG. 7B and FIG. 7C are viewsshowing lists of commands (CS) that are used when the camera body 100transmits an instruction, data, etc., to the strobe 300.

When the camera is an auto-bounce-capable camera (YES in the step S501),the camera microcomputer 101 stores “CS001 command: 01” into thebuilt-in RAM as preparation of a camera-to-strobe communication (CS)(step S502). On the other hand, when the camera is not anauto-bounce-capable camera (NO in the step S501), the cameramicrocomputer 101 stores “CS001 command: 00” into the built-in RAM aspreparation of a camera-strobe communication (CS) (step S503).

After the process in the step S502 or S503, the camera microcomputer 101determines whether a setting for an auto bounce operation (auto bouncesetting) is performed (step S504). When the auto bounce setting isperformed (SET in the step S504), the camera microcomputer 101 stores“CS011 command: 01” into the built-in RAM as preparation of acamera-to-strobe communication (CS) (step S505). On the other hand, whenthe auto bounce setting is released (RELEASE in the step S504), thecamera microcomputer 101 stores “CS011 command: 00” into the built-inRAM as preparation of the camera-to-strobe communication (CS) (stepS506).

After the process in the step S505 or S506, the camera microcomputer 101determines whether a distance measuring method that finds a distance toa target that is information for determining the irradiation directionsuitable for the bounce emission photographing is set up in the camerabody 100 (step S507). In this case, the target means an objectphotographed and a reflection material (ceiling or wall) that reflectsstrobe light at the time of bounce emission photographing.

The distance measuring method includes a strobe pre-emission distancemeasuring method (hereinafter referred to as a pre-emission method) thatpre-emits the strobe and measures a distance to a target on the basis ofan amount of light reflected by the target, for example. Moreover, thereis a strobe non-emission distance measuring method (hereinafter referredto as a strobe distance measuring system) that measures a distance to atarget without emitting the strobe using the bounce-purpose distancemeasuring unit 308 of the strobe 300. In addition, there is a cameradistance measuring method that measures a distance to a target using theresult of the focusing of the lens unit 200. Other distance measuringmethods may be employed.

When the distance measuring method is set up (SET in the step S507), thecamera microcomputer 101 stores “CS091 command: XX XX” of which data isset according to the setting content of the distance measuring methodinto the built-in RAM as preparation of a camera-to-strobe communication(CS) (step S508). For example, the camera microcomputer 101 allocates adistinction between an “object (photographing target)” and a “ceiling”to high 4 bits of the data, and allocates a distinction between the“pre-emission method”, “strobe distance measuring method”, and “cameradistance measuring method” to low 4 bits of the data.

When the “pre-emission method” is set for both of the object and ceilingthat are targets, the camera microcomputer 101 stores “CS091 command:data 00 10” into the built-in RAM. Similarly, when the “strobe distancemeasuring method” is set for both the object and ceiling that are thetargets, the camera microcomputer 101 stores “CS091 command: data 01 11”into the built-in RAM. Moreover, when the “camera distance measuringmethod” is set for the object and the “pre-emission method” is set forthe ceiling, the camera microcomputer 101 stores “CS091 command: data 0210” into the built-in RAM.

Subsequently, the camera microcomputer 101 determines the state of therelease button (step S509). When the distance measuring method is notset up (NO SET in the step S507), the camera microcomputer 101 proceedswith the process to the step S509.

When both the first switch SW1 and second switch SW2 are OFF in thestate determination of the release button (SW1, SW2 OFF in the stepS509), the camera microcomputer 101 stores “CS151 command: data 00” intothe built-in RAM (step S510).

When only the first switch SW1 is ON in the state determination of therelease button (SW1 ON in the step S509), the camera microcomputer 101stores “CS151 command: data 01” into the built-in RAM (step S511).Moreover, when the second switch SW2 is ON (SW2 ON in the step S509),the camera microcomputer 101 stores “CS151 command: data 02” into thebuilt-in RAM (step S512).

After the process in the step S510, S511, or S512, the cameramicrocomputer 101 determines whether a photometry timer is in operation(step S513). The photometry timer measures a predetermined photometryperiod in order to change an operation mode to a power saving mode afterperforming photometry in the predetermined photometry period. Thephotometry timer is in operation in the predetermined photometry period.

The photometry timer is included in the camera microcomputer 101. Thecamera microcomputer 101 starts the operation of the photometry timer insynchronization with ON of the first switch SW1, for example.

When the photometry timer is in operation (YES in the step S513), thecamera microcomputer 101 stores “CS141 command: data 01” into thebuilt-in RAM as preparation of the camera-strobe communication (CS)(step S514). On the other hand, when the photometry timer is not inoperation (NO in the step S513), the camera microcomputer 101 stores“CS141 command: data 00” into the built-in RAM as preparation of thecamera-strobe communication (CS) (step S515).

After the process in the step S514 or S515, the camera microcomputer 101stores other strobe setting information into the built-in RAM (stepS516). Then, the camera microcomputer 101 shifts the process to the stepS7 shown in FIG. 4.

Next, the information transmission process performed in the step S7 inFIG. 4 will be described. FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B are flowchartsrespectively showing processes in the camera body 100 and the strobe 300in an information transmission process.

When the information transmission process is started, the cameramicrocomputer 101 in the camera body 100 transmits the data set up inthe above-mentioned step S502 or S503 to the strobe microcomputer 310(step S601). Subsequently, the camera microcomputer 101 transmits thedata set up in the step S505 or S506 shown in FIG. 6 to the strobemicrocomputer 310 (step S602).

Next, the camera microcomputer 101 transmits the data set up in the stepS508 shown in FIG. 6 to the strobe microcomputer 310, when the distancemeasuring method is set up (step S603). Furthermore, the cameramicrocomputer 101 transmits the data set up in the step S510, S511, orS512 shown in FIG. 6 to the strobe microcomputer 310 (step S604).

Subsequently, the camera microcomputer 101 transmits the data set up inthe step S514 or S515 shown in FIG. 6 to the strobe microcomputer 310(step S605). Then, the camera microcomputer 101 transmits the datastored in the built-in RAM by the process in the step S516 shown in FIG.6 to the strobe microcomputer 310 (step S606). Then, the cameramicrocomputer 101 proceeds with the process to the step S11 shown inFIG. 4.

When receiving communication interruption from the camera microcomputer101, the strobe microcomputer 310 receives the data transmitted from thecamera microcomputer 101 (step S607). Then, the strobe microcomputer 310stores the received data concerned into the built-in RAM (step S608),and finishes the information reception.

Next, the bounce process performed in the step S12 in FIG. 4 will bedescribed. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the bounceprocess.

When the bounce process is started, the camera microcomputer 101 obtainsauto bounce data from the strobe microcomputer 310 first (step S701) asmentioned later. Then, the camera microcomputer 101 determines whetheran auto bounce operation is possible on the basis of the auto bouncedata (step S702). In the process in the step S702, the cameramicrocomputer 101 determines whether the strobe 300 is able to performan auto bounce operation according to the setting about the auto bounceoperation and the auto bounce data received.

When determining that the auto bounce operation is not possible (NO inthe step S702), the camera microcomputer 101 proceeds with the processto the step S13 shown in FIG. 4.

On the other hand, when determining that the auto bounce operation ispossible (YES in the step S702), the camera microcomputer 101 checkswhether the focusing-purpose distance measuring unit 107 is in a chargestorage operation (step S703). When the focusing-purpose distancemeasuring unit 107 is in the charge-storage operation (YES in the stepS703), the camera microcomputer 101 returns the process to the stepS702. It should be noted that the process in the step S703 is performedso that the AF storage operation does not overlap with the pre-emissionoperation.

When the focusing-purpose distance measuring unit 107 is not in thecharge storage operation (NO in the step S703), the camera microcomputer101 prepares to transmit an execution instruction of the bounceoperation (step S704). Then, the camera microcomputer 101 transmits theexecution instruction of the bounce operation to the strobemicrocomputer 310 as mentioned later (step S705).

Subsequently, the camera microcomputer 101 computes the distance to theobject in order to determine the irradiation direction that is optimalfor the bounce emission photographing (step S706) as mentioned later.Then, the camera microcomputer 101 checks whether the focusing-purposedistance measuring unit 107 is in the charge storage operation again(step S707). When the focusing-purpose distance measuring unit 107 is inthe charge-storage operation (YES in the step S707), the cameramicrocomputer 101 returns the process to the step S702.

When the focusing-purpose distance measuring unit 107 is not in thecharge storage operation (NO in the step S707), the camera microcomputer101 computes the distance to the ceiling (wall) in order to determinethe irradiation direction that is optimal for the bounce emissionphotographing (step S708) as mentioned later. Then, the cameramicrocomputer 101 determines the irradiation direction that is optimalfor the bounce emission photographing (step S709) as mentioned later.

Subsequently, the camera microcomputer 101 drivingly controls the autobounce operation so that the irradiation direction becomes optimal (stepS710). Then, the camera microcomputer 101 transmits an end instructionof the bounce operation to the strobe microcomputer 310 (step S711).Then, the camera microcomputer 101 proceeds with the process to the stepS13 shown in FIG. 4.

Next, the auto-bounce data obtaining process performed in the step S701in FIG. 9 will be described. FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B are flowchartsrespectively showing processes in the camera body and the strobe in theauto-bounce data obtaining process in FIG. 9.

When the auto-bounce data obtaining process is started, the cameramicrocomputer 101 transmits the command to the strobe microcomputer 310for checking whether the strobe 300 is possible to perform auto bounce(step S801), as shown in FIG. 10A. Then, the camera microcomputer 101receives a response to the command that checks whether the auto bounceis possible from the strobe microcomputer 310 (step S802).

Next, the camera microcomputer 101 transmits the command to the strobemicrocomputer 310 for checking the drive range in the auto bounce (stepS803). Then, the camera microcomputer 101 receives a response to thecommand that checks the drive range in the auto bounce from the strobemicrocomputer 310 (step S804).

Subsequently, the camera microcomputer 101 transmits the command to thestrobe microcomputer 310 for checking a distance measuring method bywhich a distance to a target is calculated (step S805). Then, the cameramicrocomputer 101 receives the response to the command that checks thedistance measuring method from the strobe microcomputer 310 (step S806).

Furthermore, the camera microcomputer 101 stores the data received inthe steps S802, S804, and S806 into the built-in RAM (step S807). Then,the camera microcomputer 101 proceeds with the process to the step S702shown in FIG. 9.

In the strobe 300, when a communication interrupt is received from thecamera microcomputer 101, the strobe microcomputer 310 receives acommand transmitted from the camera microcomputer 101 (step S808), asshown in FIG. 10B. Then, the strobe microcomputer 310 determines thecontents of the command (step S809).

When the content of the command is “auto bounce possibility check”(“AUTO BOUNCE CHECK” in the step S809), the strobe microcomputer 310determines whether the strobe 300 is capable of performing the autobounce (step S810). When the auto bounce is possible (YES in the stepS810), the strobe microcomputer 310 stores “SC000 command: 01” into thebuilt-in RAM as preparation of the strobe-camera communication (SC)(step S811). On the other hand, when the auto bounce is impossible (NOin the step S810), the strobe microcomputer 310 stores “SC000 command:00” into the built-in RAM as preparation of the strobe-cameracommunication (SC) (step S812).

After the process in the step S811 or S812, the strobe microcomputer 310transmits the data stored in the built-in RAM as a response to thecommand for checking the auto-bounce possibility (step S813). Afterthat, the strobe microcomputer 310 finishes the process.

When the content of the command is “auto bounce drive range check”(“AUTO BOUNCE DRIVE RANGE CHECK” in the step S809), the strobemicrocomputer 310 determines whether the auto bounce 300 is possible inboth of the vertical direction and the horizontal direction as the autobounce drive range (step S814).

When the auto bounce is possible in both of the vertical direction andthe horizontal direction (YES in the step S814), the strobemicrocomputer 310 stores “SC020 command: data 00” into the built-in RAMas preparation of the strobe-camera communication (SC) (step S815).Then, the strobe microcomputer 310 stores “SC030 command: data XX(start) XX (end)” as the drive range in the horizontal direction(auto-bounce H-drive range) into the built-in RAM as preparation of thestrobe-camera communication (SC) (step S816 a).

Subsequently, the strobe microcomputer 310 stores “SC040 command: dataXX (start) XX (end)” as the drive range in the vertical direction(auto-bounce V-drive range) into the built-in RAM as preparation of thestrobe-camera communication (SC) (step S817 a).

When the auto bounce is possible in not both of the vertical directionand the horizontal direction (NO in the step S814), the strobemicrocomputer 310 determines whether the auto bounce is possible in thehorizontal direction only (step S818). When the auto bounce is possibleonly in the horizontal direction (YES in the step S818), the strobemicrocomputer 310 stores “SC020 command: data 01” into the built-in RAMas preparation of the strobe-camera communication (SC) (step S819).Then, the strobe microcomputer 310 stores “SC030 command: data XX(start) XX (end)” as the drive range in the horizontal direction intothe built-in RAM as preparation of the strobe-camera communication (SC)(step S816 b).

When the auto bounce is not possible in the horizontal direction (NO inthe step S818), i.e., when the auto bounce is possible only in thevertical direction, the strobe microcomputer 310 stores “SC020 command:data 02” in the built-in RAM as preparation of the strobe-cameracommunication (SC) (step S820). Then, the strobe microcomputer 310stores “SC030 command: data XX (start) XX (end)” as the drive range inthe vertical direction into the built-in RAM as preparation of thestrobe-camera communication (SC) (step S817 b).

After the process in the step S817 a, S816 b or S817 b, the strobemicrocomputer 310 transmits the data stored in the built-in RAM as aresponse to the command for checking the auto-bounce drive range (stepS821). After that, the strobe microcomputer 310 finishes the process.

When the content of the command is “distance measuring method check”(“DISTANCE MEASURING METHOD CHECK” in the step S809), the strobemicrocomputer 310 determines whether a distance measuring method forcalculating a distance to a target of the auto bounce is set up (stepS822). When the distance measuring method is set up (YES in the stepS822), the strobe microcomputer 310 stores “SC090 command: XX XX”corresponding to a combination between the setting of the distancemeasuring method and the target into the built-in RAM (step S823). Then,the strobe microcomputer 310 transmits the data stored in the built-inRAM as a response to the command for checking the distance measuringmethod to the camera microcomputer 101 (step S824). After that, thestrobe microcomputer 310 finishes the process.

When the distance measuring method is not set up (NO in the step S822),the strobe microcomputer 310 transmits that effect to the cameramicrocomputer 101, and finishes the process.

Next, the bounce-operation-instruction transmitting process performed inthe step S705 in FIG. 9. FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B are flowchartsrespectively showing processes in the camera body and the strobe in thebounce-operation-instruction transmitting process.

When the bounce-operation-instruction transmitting process is started,the camera microcomputer 101 transmits “CS031 command: data XX XX” tothe strobe microcomputer 310 in order to set up the horizontal driverange of the bounce operation (step S901). When the horizontal driverange is not set up, the camera microcomputer 101 omits the process inthe step S901.

Subsequently, the camera microcomputer 101 transmits “CS041 command:data XX XX” to the strobe microcomputer 310 in order to set up thevertical drive range of the bounce operation (step S902). When thevertical drive range is not set up, the camera microcomputer 101 omitsthe process in the step S902.

Next, the camera microcomputer 101 transmits “CS121 command: data XX XXXX” as the posture difference information that includes detectionresults of the posture V detection circuit 140 a, posture H detectioncircuit 140 b, and posture Z detection circuit 140 c to the strobemicrocomputer 310 (step S903). Then, the camera microcomputer 101transmits the other strobe setting information to the strobemicrocomputer 310 (step S904).

Subsequently, the camera microcomputer 101 transmits an executioninstruction of the bounce operation to the strobe microcomputer 310(step S905). Then, the camera microcomputer 101 shifts the process tothe step S706 in FIG. 9.

In the strobe 300, when a communication interrupt is received from thecamera microcomputer 101, the strobe microcomputer 310 receives the datatransmitted from the camera microcomputer 101 (step S906). Then, thestrobe microcomputer 310 stores the received data concerned into thebuilt-in RAM (step S907). After that, the strobe microcomputer 310starts the bounce operation.

Next, the object distance calculation process performed in the step S706in FIG. 9 will be described. FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B are flowchartsrespectively showing processes in the camera body and the strobe in theobject distance calculation process.

When the object distance calculation process is started, the cameramicrocomputer 101 determines the distance measuring method forcalculating the object distance (step S1001). Then, the cameramicrocomputer 101 determines whether the distance measuring method isthe pre-emission method (step S1002).

When the distance measuring method is not the pre-emission method (NO inthe step S1002), the camera microcomputer 101 transmits “CS111 command:data XX” as the object distance information to the strobe microcomputer310 (step S1003). Then, the camera microcomputer 101 shifts the processto the step S707 shown in FIG. 9.

When the camera microcomputer 101 has been notified of the strobedistance measuring method as the distance measuring method on the basisof the auto bounce data, the camera microcomputer 101 omits the processin the step S1002.

When the distance measuring method is the pre-emission method (YES inthe step S1002), the camera microcomputer 101 transmits “CS191 command:data xx xx” to the strobe microcomputer 310 as distance measuring pointinformation (step S1005). Then, the camera microcomputer 101 transmits“CS131 command: data 00” to the strobe microcomputer 310 as apre-emission permission (step S1006).

Subsequently, the camera microcomputer 101 receives a response to theauto-bounce state check from the strobe microcomputer 310 (step S1007).Then, the camera microcomputer 101 determines whether the auto bounce ispossible (step S1008). When the auto bounce is possible (YES in the stepS1008), the camera microcomputer 101 transmits a pre-emission command tothe strobe microcomputer 310 (step S1009). The camera microcomputer 101receives the object distance information from the strobe microcomputer310, and stores the received object distance information concerned intothe built-in RAM (step S1010). Then, the camera microcomputer 101 shiftsthe process to the step S707 shown in FIG. 9.

In the strobe 300, when a communication interrupt is received from thecamera microcomputer 101, the strobe microcomputer 310 receives the datatransmitted from the camera microcomputer 101 (step S1011). Then, thestrobe microcomputer 310 stores the received data concerned into thebuilt-in RAM (step S1012).

Subsequently, when receiving interruption by the process in the stepS1007, the strobe microcomputer 310 transmit a response to theauto-bounce state check to the camera microcomputer 101 (step S1014). Inthis case, the strobe microcomputer 310 transmits information aboutwhether the strobe 300 is able to perform the auto bounce to the cameramicrocomputer 101.

Next, the strobe microcomputer 310 instructs the pre-emission to theemission control circuit 304 according to the pre-emission command,after rotating the moving part (step S1015). As a result of this, theemission control circuit 304 pre-emits the discharge tube 305 (stepS1016). After that, the bounce-purpose distance measuring unit 308receives the reflected light of the pre-emission reflected by the targetwith the photosensor. The strobe microcomputer 310 calculates the objectdistance on the basis of an integration value of the reflected lightamount received (step S1017).

Subsequently, the strobe microcomputer 310 transmits “SC110 command:data XX” that shows the object distance to the camera microcomputer 101(step S1018). After that, the strobe microcomputer 310 finishes theprocess.

Next, the ceiling (wall) distance calculation process performed in thestep S708 in FIG. 9 will be described. It should be noted that adistance to a ceiling or wall is referred to as a ceiling (wall)distance. FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B are flowcharts respectively showingprocesses in the camera body and the strobe in the ceiling (wall)distance calculation process.

When the ceiling (wall) distance calculation process is started, thecamera microcomputer 101 stores “CS131 command: data 00” into thebuilt-in RAM as a pre-emission permission (step S1101). Then, the cameramicrocomputer 101 transmits the pre-emission command stored in thebuilt-in RAM to the strobe microcomputer 310 (step S1102). The cameramicrocomputer 101 receives the ceiling (wall) distance information fromthe strobe microcomputer 310, and stores the received ceiling (wall)distance information concerned into the built-in RAM (step S1103). Then,the camera microcomputer 101 shifts the process to the step S709 shownin FIG. 9.

In the strobe 300, when a communication interrupt is received from thecamera microcomputer 101, the strobe microcomputer 310 receives the datatransmitted from the camera microcomputer 101 (step S1107). Then, thestrobe microcomputer 310 stores the received data concerned into thebuilt-in RAM (step S1108).

Subsequently, when receiving the pre-emission permission, the strobemicrocomputer 310 controls the bounce circuit 340 to drive the movingpart 300 b so that the irradiation direction becomes the ceilingdirection (step S1109). After driving the moving part 300 b, the strobemicrocomputer 310 instructs the pre-emission to the emission controlcircuit 304 according to the pre-emission command (step S1110). As aresult of this, the emission control circuit 304 pre-emits the dischargetube 305 (step S1111).

Subsequently, the bounce-purpose distance measuring unit 308 receivesthe reflected light of the pre-emission reflected by the target with thephotosensor. The strobe microcomputer 310 calculates the ceiling (wall)distance on the basis of an integration value of the reflected lightamount received (step S1112). Then, the strobe microcomputer 310transmits “SC100 command: data XX” as ceiling distance information thatshows the calculated ceiling (wall) distance to the camera microcomputer101 (step S1113). After that, the strobe microcomputer 310 finishes theprocess.

Next, the irradiation-direction determination process performed in thestep S709 in FIG. 9 will be described. FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B areflowcharts respectively showing processes in the camera body and thestrobe in the irradiation-direction determination process.

When the irradiation-direction determination process is started, thecamera microcomputer 101 determines whether the irradiation direction isdetermined in the camera body 100 (step S1201). When the irradiationdirection is able to be determined in both of the camera body 100 andthe strobe 300, it may be determined in any side. Moreover, the camerabody 100 or the strobe 300 that determines the irradiation direction maybe selected by an operation through the input unit 112. Furthermore,when only one of the camera body 100 and the strobe 300 is able todetermine the irradiation direction, the microcomputer which determinesthe irradiation direction is automatically set up.

When the irradiation direction is determined in the camera body 100 (YESin the step S1201), the camera microcomputer 101 refers to the objectdistance information computed by the process in the step S706 shown inFIG. 9 and the ceiling (wall) distance information computed by theprocess in the step S708 in order to determine the irradiation direction(step S1202). Then, the camera microcomputer 101 determines theirradiation direction that is optimal for the bounce emissionphotographing on the basis of the object distance information and theceiling (wall) distance information (step S1203). In this case, thecamera microcomputer 101 finds the rotational angle of the moving part300 b so that the optimal irradiation direction is obtained.

It should be noted that the rotational angle of the moving part 300 bmay be calculated in any method as long as the rotational angle iscalculated on the basis of the object distance and the ceiling distance.

FIG. 15 is a view showing an example of a scene of the bounce emissionphotographing performed with the camera shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

A distance between an object and a projection surface of strobe light ofthe strobe 300 shall be “d1”. The reflected light optimal to the objectshall be obtained by reflecting the strobe light at a point of distance“d1/2” on a ceiling.

When a distance between the strobe 300 and the ceiling shall be “h1”,the optimal irradiation angle “θ1” with respect to the horizontaldirection is calculated according to the following formula (4).θ1=tan⁻¹(2h1/d1)  (4)

Accordingly, it is enough to calculate the rotational angle of themoving part 300 b with respect to the main part 300 a so that theirradiation direction matches the optimal irradiation angle “θ1”.

The moving part 300 b may be rotated to be a preset designated anglethat is selected according to the calculated rotational angle in orderto cope with a case where the moving part 300 b cannot be rotated to thecalculated rotational angle. In this case, the designated angle largerthan the calculated rotation angle is selected. That is, the moving part300 b will be rotated to a position that is distant from a home positionrather than the position of the calculated rotational angle.

As a result of this, a front side of an object is irradiated with morereflected light from a ceiling as compared with a case where adesignated angle smaller than the calculated rotational angle isselected. Furthermore, the object is not irradiated with the strobelight directly.

With reference to FIG. 14A again, the camera microcomputer 101 transmits“CS071: V-data (vertical data) XX” and the “CS081: H-data (horizontaldata) XX” to the strobe microcomputer 310 as the angular informationthat shows the above-mentioned rotational angle (step S1204). Then, thecamera microcomputer 101 shifts the process to the step S710 shown inFIG. 9.

When the irradiation direction is not determined in the camera body 100(NO in the step S1201), the camera microcomputer 101 transmits “CS171:00” to the strobe microcomputer 310 as an angle calculation instruction(step S1205). After that, the camera microcomputer 101 receives theangular information from the strobe microcomputer 310, and stores theangular information concerned into the built-in RAM. Then, the cameramicrocomputer 101 shifts the process to the step S710 shown in FIG. 9.

In the strobe 300, when a communication interrupt is received from thecamera microcomputer 101, the strobe microcomputer 310 receives the datatransmitted from the camera microcomputer 101 (step S1207). Then, thestrobe microcomputer 310 stores the received data concerned into thebuilt-in RAM (step S1208).

Subsequently, the strobe microcomputer 310 determines whether anirradiation direction is determined in the strobe 300 (step S1209). Whenthe irradiation direction is determined in the strobe 300 (YES in thestep S1209), the strobe microcomputer 310 refers to the object distanceinformation calculated by the process in the step S706 shown in FIG. 9and the ceiling (wall) distance information calculated by the process inthe step S708 in order to determine the irradiation direction (stepS1210). Then, the strobe microcomputer 310 determines the irradiationdirection that is optimal for the bounce emission photographing on thebasis of the object distance information and the ceiling (wall) distanceinformation (step S1211). Since the method for determining theirradiation direction is the same as that in the case where theirradiation direction is determined in the camera body 100, thedescription is omitted here.

Subsequently, the strobe microcomputer 310 transmits “SC070: V-data XX”and “SC080: H-data XX” to the camera microcomputer 101 as the angularinformation that shows the calculated rotational angle (step S1212).After that, the strobe microcomputer 310 finishes the process.

When the irradiation direction is not determined in the strobe 300 (NOin the step S1209), the strobe microcomputer 310 finishes the process.

Next, the auto-bounce drive control process performed in the step S710in FIG. 9 will be described. FIG. 16A is a flowchart showing a processperformed with the camera body in the auto-bounce drive control process.

FIG. 16B is a flowchart showing a process performed with the strobe inthe auto-bounce drive control process.

When the auto-bounce drive control process is started, the cameramicrocomputer 101 determines whether the bounce drive is instructed inthe camera body 100 as shown in FIG. 16A (step S1301). When the bouncedrive is instructed in the camera body 100 (YES in the step S1301), thecamera microcomputer 101 refers to the angular information calculated bythe process in the step S709 shown in FIG. 9 (step S1302). Then, thecamera microcomputer 101 transmits “CS181 command: data 01” to thestrobe microcomputer 310 in order to notify that the bounce drive isinstructed in the camera body 100 (step S1303).

Next, the camera microcomputer 101 transmits “CS011 command: data 01” tothe strobe microcomputer 310 as the auto bounce setting (step S1304).Then, the camera microcomputer 101 transmits “CS021 command: data XX” tothe strobe microcomputer 310 as the drive condition of the auto bounce(step S1305). The data XX is “00” for both horizontal and vertical, is“01” for horizontal only, and is “02” for vertical only.

Subsequently, the camera microcomputer 101 transmits “CS031 command:data XX XX” to the strobe microcomputer 310 as the horizontal driverange (step S1306). Then, the camera microcomputer 101 transmits “CS041command: data XX XX” to the strobe microcomputer 310 as the verticaldrive range (step S1307).

Next, the camera microcomputer 101 transmits “CS1231 command: data XX XXXX” to the strobe microcomputer 310 as the posture differenceinformation (step S1308). Then, the camera microcomputer 101 transmits“CS161 command:” to the strobe microcomputer 310 as operation speedinformation that shows speed at which the moving part 300 b is rotated(driving speed of the motor of the bounce drive circuit 340) (step S1309a). The data XX is “00” for normal speed (standard speed), is “01” forlow speed (50% of the standard speed), and is “02” for high speed (150%of the standard speed). The steps of the speed may be defined morefinely.

Since the speed for rotating the moving part 300 b is variable,operating sound of the motor for rotating the moving part 300 b is ableto be set up fitted to a scene. The speed at which the moving part 300 bis rotated is changed by a user's operation through the input unit 112.

Subsequently, the camera microcomputer 101 transmits “CS051 command:data 01” and “CS071 command: data XX” to the strobe microcomputer 310 asthe vertical drive instruction (step S1310). Then, the cameramicrocomputer 101 transmits “CS051 command: data 02” and “CS081 command:data XX” to the strobe microcomputer 310 as the horizontal driveinstruction (step S1311).

After the completion of the bounce drive, the camera microcomputer 101transmits “CS051 command: data 00” and “CS011 command: data 00” to thestrobe microcomputer 310 as a stop instruction of the bounce drive (stepS1312).

When the bounce drive is instructed in the strobe 300 (NO in the stepS1301), the camera microcomputer 101 transmits “CS181 command: data 00”to the strobe microcomputer 310 in order to notify that the bounce driveis instructed in the strobe 300 (step S1313). Then, the cameramicrocomputer 101 transmits “CS161 command: data XX” to the strobemicrocomputer 310 as the operation speed information in the same manneras the process in the step S1309 a (step S1309 b).

After the process in the step S1312 or S1309 b, the camera microcomputer101 receives current position information that shows the currentposition of the moving part 300 b from the strobe microcomputer 310, andstores the current position information concerned into the built-in RAM.Then, the camera microcomputer 101 shifts the process to the step S711shown in FIG. 9.

In the strobe 300, when a communication interrupt is received from thecamera microcomputer 101, the strobe microcomputer 310 receives the datatransmitted from the camera microcomputer 101 (step S1315), as shown inFIG. 16B. Then, the strobe microcomputer 310 stores the received datainto the built-in RAM (step S1316).

Subsequently, the strobe microcomputer 310 determines whether a driveerror has occurred during the bounce drive (step S1317 a). The driveerror occurs when the moving part 300 b runs into the end or when themoving part 300 b is held down by a hand compulsorily, for example, Whenthe drive error has not occurred (NO in the step S1317 a), the strobemicrocomputer 310 transmits “SC060 command: data 00” to the cameramicrocomputer 101 in order to notify that there is no drive error (stepS1318).

Next, the strobe microcomputer 310 determines whether the bounce driveis instructed in the camera body 100 (step S1319). When the bounce driveis instructed in the strobe 300 (NO in the step S1319), the strobemicrocomputer 310 prepares to instruct the bounce drive in the strobe300 (step S1320).

Subsequently, the strobe microcomputer 310 refers to the verticalangular information found by the process in the step S709 shown in FIG.9 (step S1321 a). Then, the strobe microcomputer 310 makes the movingpart 300 b rotate in the vertical rotational angle by driving the motorof the bounce drive circuit 340 d according to the vertical angularinformation (step S1322 a).

Next, the strobe microcomputer 310 transmits “SC050 command: data 01” tothe camera microcomputer 101 in order to notify that the moving part 300b is in operation vertically (step S1323 a). Then, the strobemicrocomputer 310 determines whether the drive error has occurred aswith the process in the step S1317 a (step S1317 b).

When the drive error has occurred (YES in the step S1317 b), the strobemicrocomputer 310 proceeds with the process to the below-mentioned stepS1330. On the other hand, when the drive error has not occurred (NO inthe step S1317 b), the strobe microcomputer 310 refers to the horizontalangular information found by the process in the step S709 shown in FIG.9 for (step S1324 a). Then, the strobe microcomputer 310 makes themoving part 300 b rotate in the horizontal rotational angle by drivingthe motor of the bounce drive circuit 340 b according to the horizontalangular information (step S1325 a).

After that, the strobe microcomputer 310 transmits “SC050 command: data02” to the camera microcomputer 101 in order to notify that the movingpart 300 b is in operation horizontally (step S1326 a). Then, the strobemicrocomputer 310 determines whether the drive error has occurred aswith the process in the step S1317 a (step S1317 c).

When the drive error has occurred (YES in the step S1317 c), the strobemicrocomputer 310 proceeds with the process to the below-mentioned stepS1330. On the other hand, when the drive error has not occurred (NO inthe step S1317 c), the strobe microcomputer 310 transmits “SC050command: data 00” and “SC010 command: data 00” to the cameramicrocomputer 101 as drive stop information (step S1328) aftercompleting to drive the moving part 300 b in the vertical and horizontaldirections.

Next, the strobe microcomputer 310 transmits the vertical current bounceangle information “SC070 command: data XX” and the horizontal currentbounce angle information “SC080 command: data XX” of the moving part 300b after the bounce drive to the camera microcomputer 101 (step S1329).After that, the strobe microcomputer 310 finishes the process.

When the bounce drive is instructed in the camera body 100 (NO in thestep S1319), the strobe microcomputer 310 prepares to instruct thebounce drive in the camera microcomputer 101 (step S1320). Then, thestrobe microcomputer 310 performs processes in steps S1321 b, S1322 b,S1323 b, S1317 d, S1324 b (obtain the horizontal bounce angle data),S1325 b, S1326 b, and S1317 e that are respectively similar to theprocesses in the steps S1321 a, S1322 a, S1323 a, S1317 b, S1324 a,S1325 a, S1326 a, and S1317 c.

When the bounce drive error has occurred in the step S1317 d or S1317 e,the strobe microcomputer 310 proceeds with the process to the stepS1330. Moreover, when the bounce drive error has not occurred in theprocess in the step S1317 e, the strobe microcomputer 310 proceeds withthe process to the step S1328.

In the step S1317 a, when the bounce drive error has occurred (YES inthe step S1317 a), the strobe microcomputer 310 transmits that effect tothe camera microcomputer 101 by the strobe-camera communication (stepS1330). Then, the strobe microcomputer 310 proceeds with the process tothe step S1329.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a strobe emission process performed withthe strobe 300 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

When the power switch of the input unit 312 is turned ON, the strobemicrocomputer 310 starts the strobe emission process. Then, the strobemicrocomputer 310 initializes an internal memory and a port (stepS1401). Furthermore, in the process in the step S1401, the strobemicrocomputer 310 reads the states of the switches of the input unit 312and the preset input information, and sets up emission modes, such as amethod for determining an emission amount, and light-emitting timing.

Subsequently, the strobe microcomputer 310 makes the booster circuitblock 302 start to charge the main capacitor 302 d (step S1402). Then,the strobe microcomputer 310 stores the focal length informationobtained from the camera microcomputer 101 through the communicationline CL into the built-in RAM (step S1403). When focal distanceinformation has been already stored in the built-in RAM, the strobemicrocomputer 310 overwrites the former focal distance information withnew focal distance information.

Next, the strobe microcomputer 310 displays the information about theemission mode set up through the input unit 312, the obtained focallength information, etc. on the display unit 313 (step S1404). Then, thestrobe microcomputer 310 moves the zoom optical system 307 with the zoomdrive circuit 330 so that the irradiation range is fitted to the rangecorresponding to the focal length information (step S1405).

Subsequently, the strobe microcomputer 310 detects the rotational anglesof the moving part 300 b with respect to the main part 300 a with thebounce H detection circuit 340 a and the bounce V detection circuit 340c (step S1406). Then, the strobe microcomputer 310 determines whether anexecution of the bounce operation is instructed (step S1407).

When the execution of the bounce operation is instructed (YES in thestep S1407), the strobe microcomputer 310 executes the bounce operation(step S1408) as with the above-mentioned steps S1321 a through S1382 inFIG. 16B. Then, the strobe microcomputer 310 transmits the currentposition information that shows the rotational angle of the moving part300 b after the bounce operation with respect to the main part 300 a tothe camera microcomputer 101 as with the above-mentioned step S1329 inFIG. 16B (step S1409).

Next, the strobe microcomputer 310 determines whether the chargingvoltage of the main capacitor 302 d is equal to or more than apredetermined threshold voltage (charge is completed) (step S1410). Whenthe execution of the bounce operation is not instructed (NO in the stepS1407), the strobe microcomputer 310 proceeds with the process to thestep S1410.

When the charging voltage is equal to or more than the threshold voltage(YES in the step S1410), the strobe microcomputer 310 transmits acharging completion signal to the camera microcomputer 101 (step S1411).Then, the strobe microcomputer 310 determines whether an emission startsignal that is an emission command is received from the cameramicrocomputer 101 (step S1412).

When the emission start signal is received (YES in the step S1412), thestrobe microcomputer 310 controls the emission control circuit 304 inresponse to the emission start signal to emit the discharge tube 305(step S1413: light emission start). After that, the strobe microcomputer310 returns the process to the step S1402. On the other hand, when theemission start signal is not received (NO in the step S1412), the strobemicrocomputer 310 returns the process to the step S1402 withoutexecuting the step S1413.

When a series of emissions like a pre-emission for distance measuringand a main emission are performed in the process in the step S1413, thestrobe microcomputer 310 does not return the process to the step S1402during the series of emissions, and returns the process to the stepS1402 after the series of emissions are completed.

When the charging voltage is less than the threshold voltage (NO in thestep S1410), the strobe microcomputer 310 transmits a chargeincompletion e signal to the camera microcomputer 101 as (step S1414).Then, the strobe microcomputer 310 returns the process to the stepS1402.

Thus, in the first embodiment of the present invention, since thepre-emission operation is prohibited during the focusing-purposedistance measuring operation when the pre-emission control process isperformed in the camera body, the focusing in the auto focus isperformed correctly and the bounce angle (i.e., the irradiation angle)is set correctly.

It should be noted that each of the flowcharts described in the firstembodiment is an example. The processes of each of the flowcharts may beperformed in an order different from the above-mentioned description ifneeded. Furthermore, the above-mentioned command, command number, anddata are examples, and any settings are allowed as long as they play thesame roles. Moreover, although the first embodiment describes the casewhere the strobe 300 is equipped with the AF auxiliary light unit 316,the camera body 100 may be equipped with the AF auxiliary light unit316.

Subsequently, a camera according to a second embodiment of the presentinvention will be described. It should be noted that the configurationof the camera of the second embodiment is the same as the camera shownin FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

In the second embodiment, emission of the AF auxiliary light unit isdetermined according to an AF auxiliary light emission instruction in acase where the strobe 300 performs the pre-emission control process.Then, the pre-emission operation is prohibited during the emission ofthe AF auxiliary light and in a predetermined period after the emission.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an auto bounce emission photographingprocess performed with the camera according to the second embodiment ofthe present invention. It should be noted that steps in FIG. 16 that arethe same as the steps in FIG. 4 are indicated by the same referencenumbers and the descriptions thereof are omitted.

When determining that the auto bounce operation is performed in the stepS11, the camera microcomputer 101 transmits a bounce start instructionto the strobe 300 through the communication line CL (step S1812). Whenreceiving the bounce start instruction, the strobe microcomputer 310performs the bounce process as mentioned later.

When a bounce process is completed, the strobe microcomputer 310transmits a bounce end signal to the camera microcomputer 101. Aftertransmitting the bounce start instruction, the camera microcomputer 101determines whether the bounce end signal is received from the strobemicrocomputer 301 (step S1813). The camera microcomputer 101 waits whilethe bounce end signal is not received (NO in the step S110). On theother hand, when receiving the bounce end signal (YES in the stepS1813), the camera microcomputer 101 proceeds with the process to thestep S13 described in FIG. 4.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a bounce process performed with thecamera according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Itshould be noted that steps in FIG. 19 that are the same as the steps inFIG. 9 are indicated by the same reference numbers and the descriptionsthereof are omitted. However, the bounce process is performed by thestrobe microcomputer 310 in FIG. 19 unlike the flowchart shown in FIG.9.

When determining that the auto bounce is possible (YES in the stepS702), the strobe microcomputer 310 checks whether the AF auxiliarylight emission instruction (AF_ALEC) is transmitted from the cameramicrocomputer 101 (step S1903). When the AF auxiliary light emissioninstruction is received (YES in the step S1903), the strobemicrocomputer 310 returns the process to the step S702.

On the other hand, when the AF auxiliary light emission instruction isnot received (NO in the step S1903), the strobe microcomputer 310 checkswhether predetermined time has passed after the AF auxiliary lightemission instruction (step S1904) because the strobe microcomputer 310cannot read the state of the focusing-purpose distance measuring unit107 directly.

FIG. 20A is a view showing an example of a pre-emission prohibitionperiod set in the camera according to the second embodiment of thepresent invention. FIG. 20B is a view showing another example of thepre-emission prohibition period set in the camera according to thesecond embodiment of the present invention.

The focusing-purpose distance measuring unit 107 may perform thecharge-storage operation (AF storage operation) even in a case wherethere is no AF auxiliary light emission instruction like the period of“distance measuring without AF auxiliary light” shown in FIG. 20A.Accordingly, the AF storage operation is prevented from overlapping withthe pre-emission operation for the bounce process by extending thepre-emission prohibition period until predetermined time passes afterthe last AF auxiliary light emission instruction.

The “distance measuring without AF auxiliary light” may be performedcontinuously after the “distance measuring with AF auxiliary light” asshown in FIG. 20B. If the above-mentioned predetermined time is set to aperiod more than the longest AF storage time, the AF storage operationis prevented from overlapping with the pre-emission operation.

Referring back to FIG. 19, when the predetermined time does not passedafter the last AF auxiliary light emission instruction (NO in the stepS1904), the strobe microcomputer 310 returns the process to the stepS702. On the other hand, when the predetermined time passes after thelast AF auxiliary light emission instruction (YES in the step S1904),the strobe microcomputer 310 proceeds with the process to theabove-mentioned step S704.

Then, the strobe microcomputer 310 performs processes in steps S1908 andS1909 after performing the process in the step S706. It should be thatthe processes in the steps S1908 and S1909 are the same as the processesin the steps S1903 and S1904.

When the predetermined time does not passed after the last AF auxiliarylight emission instruction (NO in the step S1909), the strobemicrocomputer 310 returns the process to the step S702. On the otherhand, when the predetermined time passes after the last AF auxiliarylight emission instruction (YES in the step S1909), the strobemicrocomputer 310 proceeds with the process to the step S708.

In the second embodiment, the processes shown in FIG. 10A, FIG. 11A,FIG. 12A, FIG. 13A, FIG. 14, and FIG. 16A that are described so as to beperformed in the camera body 100 in the first embodiment are performedin the strobe 300.

In the second embodiment, the emission of the AF auxiliary light unit isdetermined according to the AF auxiliary light emission instruction whenthe strobe 300 performs the pre-emission control process. Then, thepre-emission operation is prohibited during the emission of the AFauxiliary light and in a predetermined period after the emission. As aresult of this, the focusing in the auto focus is performed correctlyand the bounce angle is set correctly.

It should be noted that each of the flowcharts described in the secondembodiment is an example. The processes of each of the flowcharts may beperformed in an order different from the above-mentioned description ifneeded. Furthermore, the above-mentioned command, command number, anddata are examples, and any settings are allowed as long as they play thesame roles.

Subsequently, a camera according to a third embodiment of the presentinvention will be described. It should be noted that the configurationof the camera of the third embodiment is the same as the camera shown inFIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

In the third embodiment, when the strobe 300 performs a pre-emissioncontrol process, it is determined whether the focusing-purpose distancemeasuring unit is in a charge storage operation by two-waycommunications between the camera body 100 and the strobe 300. Then, thepre-emission operation is prohibited when the focusing-purpose distancemeasuring unit is in the charge-storage operation.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a bounce process performed with thecamera according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Itshould be noted that steps in FIG. 21 that are the same as the steps inthe flowchart in FIG. 9 are labeled by the same reference numerals, andtheir descriptions are omitted.

When the auto bounce is possible (YES in the step S702), the strobemicrocomputer 310 receives “CS192 command: data X” shown in FIG. 7C fromthe camera microcomputer 101 (step S2103). Then, the strobemicrocomputer 310 determines whether the focusing-purpose distancemeasuring unit is in the charge storage operation (in the AF storageoperation) according to the data received in the step S2103 (stepS2104).

When the focusing-purpose distance measuring unit is not in the AFstorage operation (NO in the step S2104), the strobe microcomputer 310shifts the process to the step S704 described in FIG. 9. When thefocusing-purpose distance measuring unit is in the charge storageoperation (YES in the step S2104), the strobe microcomputer 310 returnsthe process to the step S702.

Then, the strobe microcomputer 310 performs processes in steps S2108 andS2109 after performing the process in the step S706. It should be thatthe processes in the steps S2108 and S2109 are the same as the processesin the steps S2103 and S2104.

When the focusing-purpose distance measuring unit is not in the AFstorage operation (NO in the step S2109), the strobe microcomputer 310proceeds with the process to the step S708. On the other hand, when thefocusing-purpose distance measuring unit is in the charge storageoperation (YES in the step S2109), the strobe microcomputer 310 returnsthe process to the step S702.

In the third embodiment of the present invention, it is determinedwhether the focusing-purpose distance measuring unit is in the AFstorage operation by the two-way communications between the camera body100 and the strobe 300. Then, the pre-emission operation is prohibitedduring the AF storage operation. As a result of this, the focusing inthe auto focus is performed correctly and the bounce angle is setcorrectly.

It should be noted that the flowchart described in the first embodimentis an example. The processes of the flowchart may be performed in anorder different from the above-mentioned description if needed.Furthermore, the above-mentioned command, command number, and data areexamples, and any settings are allowed as long as they play the sameroles.

As is clear from the above description, in the example shown in FIG. 1and FIG. 2, the strobe microcomputer 310 etc. function as the firstcontrol unit, first distance measuring unit, and second control unit,and the camera microcomputer 101 etc. function as the second distancemeasuring unit, third control unit, and notification unit. Moreover, thestrobe microcomputer 310 or the camera microcomputer 101 functions asthe prohibition unit.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described,the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments,the present invention includes various modifications as long as theconcept of the invention is not deviated.

For example, the functions of the above mentioned embodiments may beachieved as a control method that is executed by an image pickupapparatus. Moreover, the functions of the above mentioned embodimentsmay be achieved as a control program that is executed by a computer withwhich the image pickup apparatus is provided. It should be noted thatthe control program is recorded into a computer-readable storage medium,for example.

Other Embodiments

Embodiment(s) of the present invention can also be realized by acomputer of a system or apparatus that reads out and executes computerexecutable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on astorage medium (which may also be referred to more fully as a‘non-transitory computer-readable storage medium’) to perform thefunctions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s) and/orthat includes one or more circuits (e.g., application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC)) for performing the functions of one or moreof the above-described embodiment(s), and by a method performed by thecomputer of the system or apparatus by, for example, reading out andexecuting the computer executable instructions from the storage mediumto perform the functions of one or more of the above-describedembodiment(s) and/or controlling the one or more circuits to perform thefunctions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s). Thecomputer may comprise one or more processors (e.g., central processingunit (CPU), micro processing unit (MPU)) and may include a network ofseparate computers or separate processors to read out and execute thecomputer executable instructions. The computer executable instructionsmay be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or thestorage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, one or moreof a hard disk, a random-access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM),a storage of distributed computing systems, an optical disk (such as acompact disc (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), or Blu-ray Disc (BD)™),a flash memory device, a memory card, and the like.

While the present invention has been described with reference toexemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of thefollowing claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as toencompass all such modifications and equivalent structures andfunctions.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No.2015-093996, filed May 1, 2015, which is hereby incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

What is claimed is:
 1. image pickup apparatus comprising: a lightingdevice that is capable of changing an irradiation angle of anillumination light; an apparatus body that is equipped with saidlighting device and outputs an image corresponding to an optical imageformed through an image pickup optical system; and at least oneprocessor, the at least one processor functioning, according to aprogram stored in a memory, as: a first control unit configured to drivesaid lighting device to perform pre-emission when the irradiation angleis controlled for bounce emission photographing where an object isphotographed while being illuminated by a reflected light that emittedfrom said lighting device and is reflected by reflection material; afirst distance measuring unit configured to measure a first distancebetween the image pickup apparatus and the object and a second distancebetween the reflection material and the image pickup apparatus using thepre-emission of said lighting device; a second control unit configuredto set up the irradiation angle based on the first distance and thesecond distance and to drivingly control said lighting device to the setirradiation angle; a second distance measuring unit configured tomeasure a third distance between the image pickup apparatus and theobject during focus control for focusing on the object; and aprohibition unit configured to prohibit the pre-emission by said firstcontrol unit when said second distance measuring unit measures the thirddistance.
 2. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, hereinsaid apparatus body, which is equipped with said second distancemeasuring unit, is communicable with said lighting device, which isequipped with said first control unit, first distance measuring unit,and second control unit.
 3. The image pickup apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein said apparatus body, which is equipped with saidprohibition unit, is communicable with said lighting device.
 4. Theimage pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus bodyis communicable with said lighting device, which is equipped with saidprohibition unit.
 5. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1,further comprising an AF auxiliary light emission unit configured toemit AF auxiliary light, and a third control unit configured todrivingly control said AF auxiliary light emission unit to emit the AFauxiliary light during the focus control, wherein said prohibition unitprohibits the pre-emission by said first control unit when said thirdcontrol unit outputs an AF auxiliary light emission instruction fordriving said AF auxiliary light emission unit.
 6. The image pickupapparatus according to claim 5, wherein said prohibition unit prohibitsthe pre-emission by said first control unit until predetermined timepasses after said third control unit outputs the AF auxiliary lightemission instruction for driving said AF auxiliary light emission unit.7. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:an AF auxiliary light emission unit configured to emit AF auxiliarylight, and a third control unit configured to drivingly control said AFauxiliary light emission unit to emit the AF auxiliary light during thefocus control, wherein said prohibition unit prohibits the pre-emissionby said first control unit until predetermined time passes after saidthird control unit outputs the AF auxiliary light emission instructionfor driving said AF auxiliary light emission unit.
 8. The image pickupapparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unitconfigured to detect an operation of said second distance measuring unitand to notify said lighting device, wherein said apparatus body, whichis equipped with said second distance measuring unit and notificationunit, is communicable with said lighting device, which is equipped withsaid first control unit, first distance measuring unit, second controlunit, and prohibition unit.
 9. A control method for an image pickupapparatus equipped with a lighting device that is capable of changing anirradiation angle of illumination light, and an apparatus body that isequipped with the lighting device and outputs an image corresponding toan optical image formed through an image pickup optical system, thecontrol method comprising: a first control step of driving the lightingdevice to perform pre-emission when the irradiation angle is controlledfor bounce emission photographing where an object is photographed whilebeing illuminated by a reflected light that is emitted from the lightingdevice and is reflected by reflection material; a first distancemeasuring step of measuring a first distance between the image pickupapparatus and the object and a second distance between the reflectionmaterial and the image pickup apparatus using the pre-emission of thelighting device; a second control step of setting up the irradiationangle based on the first distance and the second distance and todrivingly control the lighting device to the set irradiation angle; asecond distance measuring step of measuring a third distance between theimage pickup apparatus and the object during focus control for focusingon the object; and a prohibition step of prohibiting the pre-emission insaid first control step when the third distance is measured in saidsecond distance measuring step.
 10. A non-transitory computer-readablestorage medium storing a control program causing a computer to execute acontrol method for an image composition apparatus equipped with alighting device that is capable of changing an irradiation angle ofillumination light, and apparatus body that is equipped with thelighting device and outputs an image corresponding to an optical imageformed through an image pickup optical system, the control methodcomprising: a first control step of driving the lighting device toperform pre-emission when the irradiation angle is controlled for bounceemission photographing where an object is photographed while beingilluminated by a reflected light that is emitted from the lightingdevice and is reflected by reflection material; a first distancemeasuring step of measuring a first distance between the image pickupapparatus and the object and a second distance between the reflectionmaterial and the image pickup apparatus using the pre-emission of thelighting device; a second control step of setting up the irradiationangle based on the first distance and the second distance and todrivingly control the lighting device to the set irradiation angle; asecond distance measuring step of measuring a third distance between theimage pickup apparatus and the object during focus control for focusingon the object; and a prohibition step of prohibiting the pre-emission insaid first control step when the third distance is measured in saidsecond distance measuring step.